57th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF facts for kids
The 57th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF was a special group of soldiers from Canada. They were an infantry battalion, which means they were trained to fight on foot. This battalion was part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) during a very big conflict called the Great War. The Great War happened a long time ago, between 1914 and 1918.
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What Was the 57th Battalion?
The 57th Battalion was officially created on April 20, 1915. Its main job was to gather and train soldiers, mostly French-Canadians, from Quebec City. This is where the battalion was formed and got ready for war.
Journey to War
On June 2, 1916, the soldiers of the 57th Battalion set sail for Britain. This was a big step in their journey to join the war effort. However, their role changed very quickly.
Joining Other Forces
Just a few days later, on June 8, 1916, the soldiers from the 57th Battalion joined another group called the 69th Battalion, CEF. This happened because the Canadian Army needed more soldiers for their main fighting force, the Canadian Corps, who were already in battle. So, the 57th Battalion's members became part of the 69th Battalion to help strengthen the troops.
When Did It End?
The 57th Battalion as a separate unit was officially closed down on April 11, 1918. Its soldiers continued to serve within other battalions.
Who Led the Battalion?
Every military unit needs leaders. The 57th Battalion had two main commanders during its time:
- Maj. A.L.H. Renaud
- Lt.-Col. E.T. Paquette
These officers were in charge of the battalion and its soldiers.
Special Recognition
Even though the 57th Battalion was absorbed into another unit, it still received a special award. It was given the "battle honour" called THE GREAT WAR 1916. A battle honour is like a medal or a special mention that recognizes a unit's service and bravery during a conflict.
Its Legacy Today
Today, the spirit and history of the 57th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF are carried on by a modern-day military unit called Les Voltigeurs de Quebec. This means that Les Voltigeurs de Quebec keep the traditions and memory of the 57th Battalion alive.
